Cast and Crew of Day of the Dead

Day of the Dead

"Day of the Dead" is a horror film centered on a small group of scientists and soldiers who take refuge in an underground missile silo. They struggle to control the flesh-eating dead that roam the surface of the Earth, leading to tense and terrifying confrontations.

Trivia and Behind-the-Scenes Facts:
1. The film's director, George A. Romero, is renowned for pioneering the modern zombie genre with his earlier films "Night of the Living Dead" and "Dawn of the Dead," making "Day of the Dead" the third installment in his iconic series.
2. The movie's disturbing and realistic zombie makeup and special effects were created by Tom Savini, a legendary special effects artist known for his groundbreaking work in horror cinema.
3. Despite being a low-budget production, "Day of the Dead" gained a cult following due to its dark tone and social commentary, reflecting Cold War era anxieties about survival and human nature.

Main Cast of Day of the Dead

Lori Cardille as Sarah

Lori Cardille

Sarah
In the 1985 horror film 'Day of the Dead,' Lori Cardille portrayed Sarah, a resourceful and resilient medical student trapped in an underground bunker amid a zombie apocalypse. This role was pivotal in showcasing her ability to balance vulnerability with strength, elevating her as a memorable character within the horror genre. Compared to her earlier or more mainstream work, Cardille's performance in 'Day of the Dead' stands out due to the film's cult status and her portrayal of a proactive female lead during a time when such roles were less common in horror cinema. This performance solidified her reputation among horror enthusiasts and remains a defining role in her career.
Terry Alexander as John

Terry Alexander

John
Terry Alexander played the role of Captain Rhodes in the 1985 cult classic horror movie 'Day of the Dead,' directed by George A. Romero. His performance was praised for bringing a calm yet authoritative presence to the chaotic and grim environment of the film, making his character stand out amid the intense and claustrophobic scenes. What made Alexander's portrayal unique was his ability to convey a sense of weary resilience and subtle leadership without overshadowing the ensemble cast, contributing to the film's tension and emotional depth. A lesser-known behind-the-scenes fact is that Terry Alexander was originally cast to play a different character but impressed Romero during rehearsals so much that he was promoted to the role of Captain Rhodes, highlighting his professionalism and adaptability on set.
Joseph Pilato as Rhodes

Joseph Pilato

Rhodes
Joseph Pilato delivered a memorable performance as Captain Rhodes in George A. Romero's 1985 cult classic "Day of the Dead." In the film, Pilato portrayed a brutal and authoritarian military officer whose escalating psychotic behavior intensifies the tension among the survivors trapped in an underground bunker during a zombie apocalypse. This role stands out in Pilato's career because it showcased his ability to embody a harsh, menacing character with intensity and a dark sense of humor, which became iconic among horror fans. Compared to his earlier or better-known work, such as his role in "Pulp Fiction" as the arrogant sci-fi enthusiast Brett, the Captain Rhodes character cemented Pilato's reputation within the horror genre and left a lasting impression due to its combination of cruelty, charisma, and his explosive delivery of memorable lines.
Jarlath Conroy as McDermott

Jarlath Conroy

McDermott
Jarlath Conroy played a memorable role in the 1985 horror film 'Day of the Dead,' directed by George A. Romero. He portrayed the character Bill McDermott, a survivalist who is deeply paranoid and withdrawn. Conroy's performance was noted for its intense and unsettling presence, which added a unique layer of realism and tension to the film's post-apocalyptic atmosphere. Unlike typical horror villains, his character was nuanced and reflective of the psychological breakdown experienced by survivors. A lesser-known fact about Conroy's involvement is that he actively contributed to the development of his character's backstory, helping to shape Bill's paranoid nature by discussing survivalist philosophies with the director. This collaboration enriched the character's depth and contributed to the film's enduring cult status.

Anthony DiLeo Jr.

Miguel

Crew of Day of the Dead

Full backstage crew list →